Pygmalion's Spectacles By: Stanley Grauman Weinbaum (1902-1935)
Pygmalion's Spectacles by Stanley Grauman Weinbaum is a futuristic and imaginative short story that takes readers on a thrilling virtual reality adventure. The story follows a professor who invents a pair of spectacles that transport the wearer into a lifelike virtual world where they can experience all five senses. The protagonist, Dan Burke, embarks on a journey through different virtual realities, including a romantic encounter with a beautiful woman and a thrilling adventure in a prehistoric world. Weinbaum's storytelling is captivating and vivid, drawing readers into the immersive worlds he creates. The concept of virtual reality was ahead of its time when the story was first published in the 1930s, making it a groundbreaking work of science fiction. The author explores themes of perception, reality, and the power of technology to shape human experience. Overall, Pygmalion's Spectacles is a thought-provoking and entertaining read that will appeal to fans of science fiction and fantasy. Weinbaum's imaginative storytelling and insightful exploration of virtual reality make this short story a must-read for anyone interested in the genre. First Page: Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from A Martian Odyssey and Others published in 1949. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed. Minor spelling and typographical errors have been corrected without note. PYGMALION'S SPECTACLES "But what is reality?" asked the gnomelike man. He gestured at the tall banks of buildings that loomed around Central Park, with their countless windows glowing like the cave fires of a city of Cro Magnon people. "All is dream, all is illusion; I am your vision as you are mine." Dan Burke, struggling for clarity of thought through the fumes of liquor, stared without comprehension at the tiny figure of his companion. He began to regret the impulse that had driven him to leave the party to seek fresh air in the park, and to fall by chance into the company of this diminutive old madman. But he had needed escape; this was one party too many, and not even the presence of Claire with her trim ankles could hold him there. He felt an angry desire to go home not to his hotel, but home to Chicago and to the comparative peace of the Board of Trade. But he was leaving tomorrow anyway. "You drink," said the elfin, bearded face, "to make real a dream. Is it not so? Either to dream that what you seek is yours, or else to dream that what you hate is conquered... Continue reading book >>

Pygmalion's Spectacles By: Stanley Grauman Weinbaum (1902-1935)

Pygmalion's Spectacles by Stanley Grauman Weinbaum is a futuristic and imaginative short story that takes readers on a thrilling virtual reality adventure. The story follows a professor who invents a pair of spectacles that transport the wearer into a lifelike virtual world where they can experience all five senses. The protagonist, Dan Burke, embarks on a journey through different virtual realities, including a romantic encounter with a beautiful woman and a thrilling adventure in a prehistoric world.

Weinbaum's storytelling is captivating and vivid, drawing readers into the immersive worlds he creates. The concept of virtual reality was ahead of its time when the story was first published in the 1930s, making it a groundbreaking work of science fiction. The author explores themes of perception, reality, and the power of technology to shape human experience.

Overall, Pygmalion's Spectacles is a thought-provoking and entertaining read that will appeal to fans of science fiction and fantasy. Weinbaum's imaginative storytelling and insightful exploration of virtual reality make this short story a must-read for anyone interested in the genre.

First Page:

Transcriber's Note:

This etext was produced from A Martian Odyssey and Others published in 1949. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed. Minor spelling and typographical errors have been corrected without note.

PYGMALION'S SPECTACLES

"But what is reality?" asked the gnomelike man. He gestured at the tall banks of buildings that loomed around Central Park, with their countless windows glowing like the cave fires of a city of Cro Magnon people. "All is dream, all is illusion; I am your vision as you are mine."

Dan Burke, struggling for clarity of thought through the fumes of liquor, stared without comprehension at the tiny figure of his companion. He began to regret the impulse that had driven him to leave the party to seek fresh air in the park, and to fall by chance into the company of this diminutive old madman. But he had needed escape; this was one party too many, and not even the presence of Claire with her trim ankles could hold him there. He felt an angry desire to go home not to his hotel, but home to Chicago and to the comparative peace of the Board of Trade. But he was leaving tomorrow anyway.

"You drink," said the elfin, bearded face, "to make real a dream. Is it not so? Either to dream that what you seek is yours, or else to dream that what you hate is conquered... Continue reading book >>

Book sections
Works of Stanley G. Weinbaum - A Martian Odyssey	Valley of Dreams	The Worlds of If
Pygmalion's Spectacles	The Point of View	The Ideal

Genres for this book
Literature
Science
Short stories

eBook links
Wikipedia – Stanley Grauman Weinbaum
Wikipedia – Pygmalion's Spectacles

eBook Downloads
ePUB eBook • iBooks for iPhone and iPad • Nook • Sony Reader	Kindle eBook • Mobi file format for Kindle
Read eBook • Load eBook in browser	Text File eBook • Computers • Windows • Mac